Reminiscences Of Foreign Travel; A Fragment Of Autobiography

Paperback | February 1, 2012

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894. Excerpt: ... the other side of the Atlantic. But Rumford was of another generation, and does not come within the scope of these reminiscences. A Sunday now intervened, of which it is enough to say that I spent a large portion of it in attending a service at Westminster Abbey and in lingering among its memorials of the mighty dead. On Monday I began to make use of my notes of introduction, and one of my earliest calls was upon Sir Robert Peel. Stopping at his door in Whitehall Gardens in a somewhat shabby equipage, I remember well the peremptory tone in which I was told by his servant, in answer to my inquiry, that Sir Robert was not at home. But I remember, too, how speedily that tone was changed when I handed him my card with the note of introduction, on the back of which was written, in his own clear and well-remembered chirography, the name of Edward Everett. "Oh, Mr. Everett,--I beg pardon, sir," exclaimed the footman; "if you will wait a moment, I will take in the letter and card and see if Sir Robert may not have returned." In another minute, the welcome sound was heard,--"Sir Robert is at home, and will be very glad to see you." This great statesman, who only a year or two before had been Prime Minister, was now in retirement,--if, indeed, the position of an active and leading member of the House of Commons can ever be called retirement. But he had no other official position, and was free from the absorbing labors and overwhelming responsibilities of a Premier. The name of Mr. Everett, for whom Sir Robert had a great regard, secured for me a reception which I could not otherwise have enjoyed, and I was soon disabused of the impression I had carried with me from hearing so often of "the proverbial coldness of Sir Robert Peel." After a few moments' conversation a...

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894. Excerpt: ... the other side of the Atlantic. But Rumford was of another generation, and does not come within the scope of these reminiscenc...